BP Pandey named Chairman of Godavari River Management Board

BP Pandey has been appointed Chairman of the Godavari River Management Board as Andhra Pradesh’s contentious Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project faces regulatory hurdles. Telangana's BRS opposes the project, citing lack of GRMB and CWC approvals amid ongoing environmental objections.

Hyderabad: The Ministry of Jal Shakti has appointed BP Pandey as the new Chairman of the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB), succeeding AK Pradhan, whose tenure ends on July 31.

Pandey’s appointment comes at a crucial time, as the controversial Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP) proposed by the Andhra Pradesh government—aimed at diverting 200 TMC of Godavari floodwaters—is under scrutiny.

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The Central Environment Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for River Valley and Hydroelectric Projects recently denied approval for the project, citing legal and environmental concerns. Despite the setback, Andhra Pradesh continues to aggressively push for clearance.

Meanwhile, the BRS leadership in Telangana has strongly opposed the project, highlighting that it lacks mandatory approvals from both the GRMB and the Central Water Commission (CWC).